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Vocal Activation Ayahuasca Retreat
& Master Plant Dieta
October 6th to the 16th, 2024
NEW* November 13th - 23rd, 2024
Pucallpa, Peru
After observing, experiencing and experimenting
with over 10 different lineages of shamanic traditions, the Shipibo Konibo lineage and way of working with Ayahuasca has been the most cleansing, healing and personally transformational.
The Dieta, the devotional practice of cleansing the body through a restricted diet and communion with a specific plant is an incredible experience to really attune to and maximize the benefits you can receive from working with Amazonian plant medicines, such as Ayahuasca.
During my upcoming Vocal Activation Ayahuasca Retreat & Master Plant Dieta retreat, our guests will receive a full cleansing (healing) with medicinal plants and get to attend 6 ceremonies with Ayahuasca (drinking the medicine is optional); where we will customize the program based on your specific needs and or condition.
You have the opportunity to do a plant Dieta with Bobinsana and Noya Rao or to have your own customized treatment with a variety of medicinal plants, which takes our healing center to another level. Once you try your first 11 days Dieta, you will want to come for more.
Plant Dietas allow participants to form deep and lasting relationships with powerful plant spirits that continue to guide them for the rest of their lives. It is only through plant Dietas that students become ‘curanderos’ - healers.
This Dieta is different from your typical “Dieta” container because it is also a Vocal Activation retreat. I will be offering yoga, meditation and vocal embodiment exercises and medicine music workshops specifically designed to help you open your voice and help you create a voice and music practice of your own.
These practices are also intended to support you in your integration journey in and out of the retreat container.
You will also get to learn your own Icaro that you will get to take home with you and work with. The "Icaro" is a sacred sound and song technology that works with vibration and tones to heal and clean the patient. These sacred chants also work to answer the prayers of the practitioner and bring the passenger/ patient many blessings.
It is such a blessing and honor to share this powerful and healing experience with you. I have personally received so much healing, transformation, clarity and empowerment from these medicinal plant teachers that it feels only right to share this gift with my soul family and global community.
If you are interested, the time is now to say yes to true healing and transformation.
At Isa Yaka healing center, we believe in providing our ‘pasajeros’ with personal attention, our group is limited to eight guests, as opposed to other typical retreats with groups of fourteen, seventeen, or more. Trust us, you will get more personal attention than most other centers that way. Please reserve your spot early because our retreats fill in quickly. Our retreat is more affordable and accessible compared to other centers in order to reach those that need access to this powerful medicine.
We specialize in the traditional Shipibo Master plants Diets, with Bobinsana and the almost mythical Noya Rao tree. They are both heart-openers and full of love, light, and wisdom.
We strongly believe that there are the two master plants with the most healing potential. The best way, in our eyes, to heal the mind and to purge the subconscious of past traumas and programs, has its source in the heart.
Love is what our world needs. There is no substitute for Love and that sums up our mission. We often have erected barricades around our hearts to protect ourselves from pain. Bobinsana and Noya Rao will change that paradigm for you.
As far as the Noya Rao diet, it is seldom offered in centers in the Amazon, as it is the Holy Grail of medicinal plants. People have travelled the world to get their hands on the extremely rare master tree of pure light, Noya Rao.
It is the most sacred tree in the Shipibo tradition due to its ability to connect you with divine realms and beings and fill you with pure love and light. It is the king of all master plants and holds all of their worlds within its sacred universe. With the right guidance, this tree is a beautiful journey to what some call ‘enlightenment’.
Noya Rao encompasses the wisdom of all the other master plants. Together with Bobinsana, they form an enchanting symbiotic relationship.
Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia) is a tree that produces bright pink starburst flowers. Bobinsana is a powerful shamanic plant, deeply respected among the indigenous people of the Amazon.
It is a beautiful, divine feminine, master plant, famous for its ability to open your heart for love. It also has strong spiritual cleansing and balancing properties and will help strengthen and protect your energetic field.
When dieting Bobinsana, you will also receive a lot of healing, growth, and wisdom in areas such as: your immune system, physical pain, physical, mental, and emotional traumas, self-awareness, respect for self and others, love and connection to self, others, nature and benevolent spirits, gratitude, humility, peace, patience, kindness and living in truth, non-judgment and empathy.
From an energetic perspective, these herbs will introduce a heart-centered sense of calm into your being, allowing you to reflect and stretch your roots.
With the complex demands that many people face in the world these days, it is very common that the emotional body does not receive proper attention. For this reason, Bobinsana is often recommended as a first dieta to help us open up our suppressed emotions and connect more deeply to our hearts’ innate wisdom.
Meet the Team
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is made from two Amazonian plants: the Ayahuasca vine and, traditionally, chacruna leaves. This sacred medicine is traditionally known by its Quechua name, Ayahuasca, which translates as “Vine of the Soul”. In Shipibo, Ayahuasca is known as Oni, meaning wisdom.
Ayahuasca is a sacred and potent brew revered by indigenous cultures of the Amazon rainforest for its profound spiritual and healing properties. It's crafted from a blend of plants, containing DMT and MAO inhibitors, facilitating deeply transformative and introspective experiences that are believed to offer insights, healing, and connection with the divine realms under the guidance of experienced shamans. A co-creative relationship between the healer, the plant spirits and ayahuasca, and the participant allows for the participant to uncover, experience, and take responsibility for issues that had been hidden in their unconscious and resulted in energetic blockages – often the cause of the dis-ease, or emotional/psycho-spiritual imbalance.
There is little written documentation on the subject, but many verbal stories have been passed down by families about the use and origins of this sacred medicine. Traditionally, village healers used ayahuasca to help patients recover from illness. To diagnose the root causes of illness, they often sought the help of other plant spirits and doctors in their visions, and were told which plants to prescribe to cure them. Other examples of the shamanic use of ayahuasca by village healers concerned the resolution of village conflicts, hunting tactics or the attraction of a love partner.
Chemically speaking, ayahuasca’s main active components are the alkaloids harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine. It is the beta-carbolines, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which enable the dimethyltryptamine (DMT) contained in chacruna leaves to be activated in the body.
DMT is a powerful psychotropic that promotes activation of the neurotransmitter serotonin. These plants must be used in combination, because if one of them is taken alone, the body inhibits any psychoactive effect. These chemicals already exist in the body, facilitating a natural change in the brain. The fact that DMT has receptor sites in the brain shows just how ready the body is to metabolize this chemical.
It’s part of our innate biological design, embedded in our DNA, to be able to reach expanded states of consciousness, deep trances and experience other realms of the world. Pioneering work by Dr Rick Strassmans has shown the correlation between the pineal gland and its production of DMT. The pineal gland is also known as the “third eye” in many ancient traditions. In his book, DMT: The Spirit Molecule, he hypothesizes that the pineal gland triggers an influx of DMT when the life force enters the fetal body and, later, at birth, releases more DMT, then again when the life force leaves the body at the moment of death.
For these reasons, Ayahuasca can be used to illuminate the truth of who you really are, it has the potential to expand your consciousness and connect you to Source, the Divine within and without, and your inner power as a healer and creator being. At Isa Yaka, we work with the frequencies of pure unconditional love, light and wisdom to clear and open your heart and path, and our Shamans will work diligently in the spirit realm to bring more joy, happiness, lightness, wholeness and freedom into your life.
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Ayahuasca can be used in combination with other local plant medicines to help heal and remedy certain conditions like anxiety, depression, even illness, disease, pain, physical/emotional/mental/spiritual suffering when used properly and under the guidance of a master curandero. It is extremely important though that you make us aware, and let the healers and facilitators know if you are taking any prescriptions medications, herbs, and supplements, and especially any anti-depressants ( MAOIs, SSRI, Adderall) that have the potential to negatively interact with the Ayahuasca Brew.
Please let me know personally all medications you are on, and if you have a history of any psychosis, severe PTSD, borderline disorders, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia, as well as any chronic heart condition, high blood pressure, severe diabetes, epilepsy and seizures. It will be necessary to do a thorough assessment of your specific case and thorough cleanse of these medications prior to coming to the retreat.
Please do not let this deter you in any way. Ayahuasca has been deeply healing and transformative for many, it has numerous benefits for the body, mind and spirit, and can be used in varying amounts. Our highly experienced shamans know precisely how to dose their patients, and will always start you off lightly. Also, it is important to state that it is not necessary to drink the medicine to receive healing from the master shamans, and traditionally the medicine was only drank by the shaman who diagnosed, prescribed, and performed energetic healing.
Vocal Activation Retreat
It is great honor and joy that I get to share this specially curated retreat in collaboration with master curanderos Maestra Isa Yaka (Juana) and Maestro
Rai Nima ( Darwin). "Singing is cleaning" and these maestros are here to encourage healing and even "purging" through singing.
On the medicine path, I discovered the power of the Voice and Song to shift and transform the energy of any space, internally within one's body and externally, in the collective environment. I was first inspired to begin my singing journey in a Cacao and Kirtan ceremony in Lake Atitlan. Soon after, in my first San Pedro Huachuma ceremony, I heard loud and clear that I needed to learn to sing, and that it was vital for me to become a medicine song carrier. I was shown that this was the most direct and powerful way to hold, harmonize and heal the collective field in ceremony.
That was in late 2016 and since then, I have made it my top priority to learn to sing and share my Voice and medicine. I started working with the Spirit of Ayahuasca before even consuming her. I learned that I could channel song through connecting to her spirit. In 2017, I started to download my first medicine songs. In 2018, I was guided to finally drink Ayahuasca to help open my voice, and when she finally appeared in the medicine home I was living in, at the end of that year, I received the Vocal Activation my spirit had been calling in.
Shortly after, I began my music journey, which is intricately woven into my sacred plant medicine path. In 2019, I was guided to go to Peru to continue my studies with Ayahuasca and that's when I found my first true teacher in the path of Ayahuasca. After working with him initially for several months, I came back home at in 2020, just as all borders were closing. I immediately knew that I needed to use that sacred pause to learn and develop my voice and guitar skills.
I have continued to study, heal and grow using Ayahuasca since then. In the last 5 years, I have had the blessing and privilege to travel to the Amazon of Brazil and Peru to study with the Huni Kuin, Yawanawa and Shipibo Konibo Indigenous Peoples. I have also learned much from my Mestizo, Mexica, Lakota, Mayan, Yoruba-IFA and Umbanda teachers, attending ceremonies all across the Americas.
Ayahuasca, plant medicine, has been my greatest teacher and guide in opening my voice and gifts as a musician. I have been avidly practicing and taking classes to advance my skills as a Medicine Music singer and composer since that very first Cacao and Kirtan ceremony I attended. Today I am sharing my medicine songs and Kirtan, devotional Bhakti music, practice around the world with ease, grace and so much joy.
Singing is one of the greatest pleasures of life, and being able to share with my community this gift is a service to the collective; and also my greatest tool and companion in life. The more I sing, the more I heal, I am so grateful for this path as it continues to surprise and crack me open in ways that I could have never imagined.
For these reasons, I have been given the sacred task of sharing and imparting the tools, practices and songs that have been integral in my music, and plant medicine healing journey.
Music is vibration, which is energy; and energy healing, as we know, can transform dis-ease into good health and wellbeing when used with intention and precision. As mentioned above, singing is cleaning, and using sound and vibration you can internally massage and cleanse your physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic body, your chakras, your organs, your thoughts, even your blood and DNA.
The Peruvian Shamans have always known this, and this is why they work with the power of the "Icaro" - a sacred sound and song technology that works with vibration and tones to heal and clean the patient. These sacred chants also work to answer the prayers of the practitioner and bring the receiver many blessings.
In this Vocal Activation retreat, you will get to learn your own Icaro that you will get to take home with you and work with. I will also be sharing specialized workshops that will help you free your voice. These workshops will support you in your integration process and give you tools that you can take home and use in your daily life. I can also teach you any medicine song you would like to learn and help guide you in writing your own medicine song.
Check out the list of workshops and activities below that will be available for you throughout our time together. All workshops are optional, so if you are tired or prefer to spend some time on your own, this is welcome too. I am here to support your journey, and provide translation and integration support.
Vocal Activation Retreat
Workshops:
Throat Chakra Healing Workshop
Somatic Release and Sound Activation
Free your voice - Learn to tone your voice using the vowels
Womb / Hara Healing Workshop
Creative energy = Ecstatic expression
Healing and transmuting of pain into pleasure and creative fuel
Medicine Song Circle
Learn and sing along to popular medicine songs
Medicine Song Writing Workshop
Learn to write your own medicine song.
Icaro Class
Receive a powerful Icaro to accompany your dieta practice
Yoga and Meditation
Breathe, unwind and come back into balance
Integration circles
An opportunity to check in, share your story and any questions you have about your jouney, and listen to others'.
Investment
Total Price for the Vocal Activation Retreat & Dieta Immersion is $2,100
Retreat space is limited to 5 Spots, so its is important to reserve your spot as soon as possible, as this retreat will sell out.
To reserve your place, please make a deposit of $600
Please make your deposit to
(US) Zelle: Carlaguerra333@gmail.com
Venmo: Carla-Jannette-1
(International) Wise.com: Heartchocolateyoga@gmail.com
The rest can be paid in cash, upon arrival, or through one of the methods mentioned above.
Isayaka
Ayahuasca Center
This humble and beautiful center is located only 30 minutes away from the airport. Transportation to and from the airport is included in the price of the retreat.
The center is located in a banana orchid, equipped with a traditional Maloca, temple space, communal kitchen, and outdoor seating areas for you to enjoy the nice breeze. During your time in the center, stay in a traditional "tambo" aka jungle cabin equipped with a comfy bed, mosquito net, private patio, hammock, and bathroom.
What to expect
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We provide complementary pick up and drop from the Pucallpa airport or your local hotel.
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All international flights will fly into Lima City, from there you can easily book a connection flight to Pucallpa.
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I recommend planning for 1+ days for pre-and post-integration downtime in Peru, either in Pucallpa or Lima, or Sacred Valley if you are able to stay longer. If you are limited in time, then post dieta, I would say, is more essential. Plan at least 1 night of rest in Pucallpa before flying out of the county. These are three places I recommend for you to stay in Pucallpa, Hospedaje EL DELFIN, Los Gavilanes Hotel and Manish Hotel Ecológico
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In a traditional style dieta, food is served once a day. Meals consist of green bananas and fish, or chicken, cooked over a fire, and a local beverage made of green bananas blended with water called Chapo. Meals are served at 1:00pm. No salt, sugars, oils, or spices added
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The center offers complimentary laundry service, so pack light. Save room for gifts and purchases.
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Rooms are cleaned every several days, sheets and towel provided and changed
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Depending on the time of the year, the weather can range from very hot and humid, to cold (65 F or 16 C) and rainy. It is considered a tropical climate, so rain is expected, and the random colder night. (ex: June-Sept are the hottest, October–March are considered rainy season, packing a rain poncho and extra sweatshirt or pants are recommended. April- May are the most pleasant in my opinion) I wear flip-flops for everything, our feet are waterproof, and rain boots are not required, but its up you if you want to have them for rainy season. Sandals are our go to. You can purchase cheap sandals locally if you need.
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Please pack a bathing suit for plant baths and for possible river trip.
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Some rooms have a fan, but not all, so please prepare accordingly.
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Please bring headphones and earplugs in case of noise sensativities. One of our neighbors is a church, and they will sometimes gather and have music playing. Also, due to the nature of the work, noises like that of the roosters, or even your neighbor's breathing or singing can cause irritation. So please be mindful and considerate, but also self-aware.
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Mosquitos are a thing, they are not as bad as they are in some deeper parts of the jungle, but they are present. Your bed has a mosquito net, but during ceremony and or sunrise/sunset, the occasional mosquito will be hanging around. I recommend natural bug repellents like citronella and peppermint oil.
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Purified water and lemon grass tea are provided.
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Make sure to pack your journal, any crystals or sacred objects that are essential to your personal practice. Sketchbook and colored pencils too are nice to have. You can always gift them to a child at the end too if you don't want to travel back home with them.
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Also, make sure to bring your yoga mat and water vessel/bottle.
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Pack natural, biodegradable soap, shampoo and toothpaste please.
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Bring extra cash in soles to the center to buy any artisanal goods, gifts, pipe, extra treatments, medicines, classes, and tips, etc. (Average exchange rate is 3.7 Sol to 1 USD)
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The best option is to bring USD to exchange at a local exchange office, this is the best way to get the best rate (100's and 20's in mint condition are preferred). Airports, foreign banks, and ATMs, offer the worst rates, and ATMs charge a fee for every time you take out money, which most don't allow you to take out very much at a time.
Examples of prices for materials and goods you will need or want during your stay.
Pipe - During the dieta, you will learn how to work with your pipe for cleansing and protecting your energy. This item is essential if you are wanting to learn how to work with Tobacco in the traditional way - 200 soles ~ 55usd
Shipibo Skirt and Blouse - Maestra Juana is a master Shipibo weaver and artist. She personally hand-weaves the traditional, beautiful skirts you are invited to wear during ceremony in and out of the retreat. The skirts are woven with prayers that connect you to the master plant you are dieting and also provide extra protection. (Women Only) Skirt is 500 soles ~ 135 usd Blouse is 200 soles ~ 55 USD ( Not required, but are very nice to wear and have, if you have the means)
Perfume/ Aroma - Part of the shamanic instruction you will receive includes working with a perfume or agua de florida (flower water) for sealing, and protecting your energy, as well as calling in the force of the plants. Mama Juana and Maestro Darwin make custom aromas with specific master plants that you can purchase. 100 - 200 soles per bottle (27usd/55usd) *Not required but highly encouraged.
Personal Icaro - As part of the retreat, you will learn and take home one Icaro that is specifically used for connecting to your Master Plant. In the case you would like to learn more Icaros, Maestro Darwin offers Icaro chants for whatever your intention or need is. You can ask for a sacred chant for pretty much anything you are wanting to heal or call in. Most Icaros are 400 soles, or $108 usd each, except for Arcana Prayers and Icaros specific to facilitating Ayahuasca ceremony etc, which are more expensive, prices vary.
* If you would like to get the translation from Shipibo to Spanish,
this is an extra class that costs 100 Sol/ 27usd which is done with Darwin's brother, our onsite Shipibo Maestro Alejandro. And I will personally offer a complentary translation from Spanish to English
Traditional Shipibo Sewing Class - Are you in love with Shipibo Art as much as I am? Want to learn how to weave your own altar cloth that you get to take home with you? Maestra Mercy, Mama Juana's daughter, offers traditional sewing classes onsite for
200 Soles ~ 55 USD
Traditional Textiles - During your stay there will be two market days when you can purchase tapestries, clothes, jewelry, and extra gifts for yourself and others. All adorned with beautiful Shipibo patterns and art, known as Kene. All goods are made by the lovely family members of this community. (No purchase required) Prices range from 20 Soles to 1000 Soles ($5 to 270 USD - for larger tapestries)
Personal Treatments and Extra Medicines - You can purchase Bobinsana, Noya Rao, and other medicines to take home with you. One example is smokable Bobinsana or Noya Rao, which are really nice to have and smoke in your pipe, to increase the connection during your dieta and when you go back home. You can also purchase Noya Rao Bark to prepare your tea at home. And, in addition, if you are on a healing journey that calls for different Amazonian plants or medicine, there is the option to add/ purchase extra treatments for yourself and or loved ones.
(No purchase required) 100 - 200 Soles or $27 to 55 USD.
Tips are always a nice gesture. For example, you can tip your Taxi- MotoCar driver 10- 20 soles for rides. You may also want to tip our guardian or cook and laundry woman 100+ soles at the end of the retreat as a token of your gratitude.